Kaizer Chiefs players led tributes within the SA football fraternity to Lebogang Manyama, with Itumeleng Khune describing his former teammate as a ‘winner’.
Manyama, who won PSL Footballer of the Season in the 2016/17 season, penned an emotional letter on Friday to his ex-clubs and supporters after hanging up his boots at 32.
A persistent knee injury forced the former Bafana Bafana international to end his illustrious career that lasted more than a decade.
Manyama revealed that he struggled to recover from the injury as he was “miraculously misdiagnosed with MCL and meniscus tears when in fact I had torn my ACL [and] made it worse whilst rehabilitating.”
Khune, who played with Manyama at Chiefs for several seasons, was one of the first to pay tribute to the ex-midfielder.
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYERS LEAD MANYAMA TRIBUTES AFTER RETIREMENT
“Farewell brother. It is very sad seeing you retiring when you still have a lot to offer. All the best in your future endeavours. We stay winning brother,” said Khune.
Amakhosi’s current and former players such as Edmilson Dove, Bruce Bvuma, Daniel Akpeyi, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Keagan Buchanan also reacted to Manyama’s career getting cut short.
“Mi Capitan. It’s been a pleasure, I hope all goes well with your surgery and all the best for what’s coming. You are one of a kind,” said Dove.
Meanwhile, Akpeyi added: “This beautiful game will always remember your legacy bro, it’s a great pleasure to play alongside you.”
Buchanan and Xola Mlambo wished the former Cape Town City a blessed new journey. “Skomreezy, may God bless your new chapter,” said Buchanan.
“Skomrada, big loss but we keep keeping on, God bless and protect your new chapter,” added Mlambo.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Brockie, who spent more than five years in the PSL, said all he remembered on Manyama’s face was a smile during their playing days in the league.
“My brother, it was an absolute pleasure sharing the pitch with you. Some moments of brilliance, beautiful goals and always guaranteed to see you playing with a smile on your face,” he wrote.
In addition, Orlando Pirates attacker Tebogo Tlolane said: “My brother, very gutted. But thank you for your talent. Thank you for gracing us with Lebo Manyama. May God bless and protect you in your new chapter.”
Sibusiso Vilakazi, Sibusiso Mabiliso, Happy Jele, Lyle Lakay and others also extended heartfelt messages to Manyama.
He recorded 320 appearances in his professional career, scoring 55 goals and providing 39 assists.
Manyama had stints at Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Black Aces and Cape Town City before jetting off to Turkey to play for Konyaspor. Upon his return from Europe, he donned the famous Chiefs. However, the club released him in 2022, leaving him clubless.
The Alex-born star also won several individual accolades, including the PSL Footballer of the Year and the PSL Players’ Player of the Season.
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